What is a Tunable Laser ? Tunable Lasers
Agilent 8163A/B, 8164A/B & 8166A/B Mainframes, Sixth Edition 121
What is a Tunable Laser ?
A tunable laser is a laser source for which the wavelength can be varied
through a specified range. The Agilent Technologies Tunable Laser
modules also allow you to set the output power, and to choose between
continuous wave or modulated power.
How to Set the Power
The laser output can be either:
• a continuous wave (CW) signal, fixed amplitude signal, see “How to Set the
Output Power of a CW Signal” on page 122,
• a modulated signal, see “How to Modulate a Signal” on page 142, or
• a signal with increased linewidth (coherence control), see “How to Increase
Linewidth” on page 148.
If [Mod Src] is <Off>, a continuous wave signal is the chosen optical
output. A continuous wave signal is the default.
If any other [Mod Src] source is chosen, the chosen source modulates the
signal. For possible modulation sources, see “How to Modulate a Signal”
on page 142.
Attenuator
If your tunable laser has an built-in optical attenuator, you can choose one
of the two following power modes:
• <Automatic> Attenuation Mode, you specify the output power and the
instrument automatically sets the optical output power by using the optimum
combination of laser diode current and optical attenuation, or
• <Manual Att.> Mode, you specify the output power and the attenuation.
The two modes are separate, the values set in one mode do not affect
values set in the other.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
